DUBAI AIR NAVIGATION SERVICES AND HONEYWELL TO EXPLORE JOINT DEVELOPMENT OF NEW AIRPORT AND AIRSIDE SOLUTIONS

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore new technology development opportunities aligned to supporting UAE economic growth and diversification

Dubai Air Navigation Services (dans), the air navigation services provider for Dubai and part of the Northern Emirates has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with leading technology provider, Honeywell, to explore the potential for the co-development of new technologies that will increase efficiency, predictability, safety and environmental efficiency of airports and airside operations.

The MoU was signed between the two parties on day one of the annual Airport Show 2019, held in Dubai. This collaboration will leverage Honeywell’s capabilities in providing advanced IoT-enabled solutions that empower safe and efficient air traffic operations for one of the busiest regions in terms of air traffic. Honeywell’s global expertise in providing innovative solutions will bring benefits to dans through enhanced knowledge transfer on airport ecosystems, airport operations, Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) and understanding the combined, complex challenges faced by the industry.

With aviation and tourism identified as key enablers for the UAE’s economic growth and diversification, technological innovation will aid the continued transformation of the sector. The MoU between the organizations will aim to build upon the economic values of the UAE and help drive the implementation of cutting-edge technology in aviation.

In light of the partnership signed, Ibrahim Ahli, Deputy CEO of dans stated: “In a fast paced sector such as the Aviation industry, investing in innovation and technology empowers our vision to transform the sky. The Emirate of Dubai being the global commercial and travel hub it has become is only going to expand further with Dubai Expo 2020 approaching us. Today, Air Traffic Controllers manage a daily average of 1500 air traffic movements in Dubai’s airspace, and to enable and enhance seamless Air traffic management operations further, we have to collaborate and work hand in hand with leading technology solution providers. Honeywell are rather reputable for being the leaders in aviation solutions and we firmly believe that entering a new partnership with them will support our aims to provide our services with excellence. We look forward to the abundance of expertise and knowledge exchange that will occur enabled through this partnership.”

Commenting on the partnership Sonja Strand, vice president and general manager, Honeywell Global Airports Business added: “With more than 100 years of experience in the aviation industry, Honeywell remains a trusted provider of intelligent airside and landside solutions for airports around the world. Our work with dans will support the continued growth of Dubai and the UAE’s airport infrastructure as well as its iconic status as an aviation hub, through the deployment of innovative technologies. We look forward to working with dans as it continues to enhance the safety, capacity and efficiency of air navigation services in the region.”

dans provides air traffic management services at four airports in the UAE, these are Dubai International, Al Maktoum International, Al Minhad Air Space and Sharjah International Airport. dans will work with Honeywell to develop next generation digital tower concepts, future communication systems, Human Centered Design for the development of Control Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) and ATM systems, decision support systems for capacity management, cybersecurity for ATM systems, low visibility automation concepts, in addition to the application of data analytics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine and deep learning.

Maitha Al Haj, Vice President of Strategy and Development in dans added:“We continue to focus on meeting our vision of transforming the sky across the region by developing world-leading air navigation services. Through this collaboration, we are equipped to accelerate meeting this vision by leveraging and benefitting from Honeywell’s leading expertise, both in terms of technology and in knowledge which greatly benefits not only our operations but the wider regional aviation sector too.”

“At Honeywell, our technologies are present in over 500 airports worldwide and we have a long history of deploying cutting-edge solutions that enable a more sustainable, efficient and safe airport environment. IoT plays a major role in managing the complex environment of an airport – through advanced technologies coupled with our global expertise, we are an ideal partner to deliver advanced air navigation services and jointly conceptualize a high grade of technology integration and automation,” concluded Strand.

Present for the MoU signing was Khalid Al Jabir, senior vice president operations, dans, Ahmed Ahli, vice president, corporate support services, dans, Maitha Al Haj, vice president, strategy and development, dans, Salah Al Qassim, head of safety and security, Haitham Al Hosani, head of ATM systems, George Bou Mitri, vice president, and general manager, Honeywell Building Technologies, META, Sonja Strand, vice president and general manager, Honeywell Global Airports, Philipose Jacobs, regional general manager, Honeywell Building Solutions.